متنDear Honourable Jaume ASENS LLODRÀ,
I am writing to draw your attention to the urgent case of Ilya Ben Rashid, who is currently at risk of execution in Iran.
Ilya Ben Rashid, a 22-year-old Ahwazi resident of Shahinshahr, Isfahan, was arrested by security forces on 22 Dey 1404 during popular protests. After 6 days of solitary confinement and torture, he was sentenced to death on charges of war and propaganda against the regime. He does not have access to a lawyer and is in prison.
In January 2026, the European Parliament adopted a strong resolution condemning the repression of protesters in Iran, called for increased accountability measures, supported listing the IRGC as a terrorist organisation, and took the important step of restricting access for Iranian diplomats to Parliament premises. These actions sent a clear message that the European Union will not remain silent in the face of systematic human rights violations.
In light of this firm position, I respectfully urge you to consider concrete steps in this specific case:
– Publicly sponsor Ilya Ben Rashid as part of a political sponsorship or detainee advocacy initiative for prisoners facing the death penalty.
– Raise this case in plenary or committee discussions and with the EEAS.
– Support inviting human rights defenders, former political prisoners, or family members to speak before Parliament or relevant committees to maintain visibility on urgent execution cases.
– Call for an immediate halt to the execution and for full due process guarantees.
Consistent and visible engagement by Members of the European Parliament has, in past cases, contributed to delaying or stopping executions. Sustained political sponsorship and institutional attention can provide a layer of protection for those most at risk.
Further information on this case is available here:
https://lookerstudio.google.com/embed/u/0/reporting/71414769-37ca-4359-9e86-48c7c704da98/page/p_zkwf39o10d
Given the gravity and urgency of the situation, timely action could be decisive.
Sincerely,
A concerned citizen
